Mashawir exhibition at Villa Chamoun brings contemporary art to Lebanon's Kadisha Valley

The third edition of the KDSHA exhibition, titled Mashawir (meaning 'Journeys' in Arabic), is currently on view at Villa Chamoun in Lebanon's Kadisha Valley until 2 October 2024. Curator Rania Tabbara organized this group show, drawing inspiration from the valley's cultural significance and its connection to writer Gibran Khalil Gibran. The exhibition features works by three Lebanese artists displayed alfresco in the villa's garden, engaging with the surrounding landscape. Ceramicist Samar Mogharbel presents large-scale untitled fiberglass resin works exploring resistance and surrender. Multidisciplinary artist Hady Sy contributes steel sculptures from his 'It's A Numbers Game' series addressing depersonalization. Painter and sculptor Ghassan Zard shows pieces from his 'Wandering Turtles' and 'Whispers of Nature' collections, focusing on humanity's relationship with nature. Concurrently, Venezuelan artist Daniel Rey has created 'Alchemical Splash,' an immersive pool installation at Villa Chamoun marking his first visit to Lebanon. This work transforms the swimming pool into a large-scale drawing featuring aquatic imagery. The Kadisha Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for early Christian monastic settlements and the Cedars of God forest. Villa Chamoun serves as a restored 1960s-style guesthouse hosting the exhibition.